December has arrived, and we at Chapter Seven Design are truly feeling the festive spirit. We love this time of year – stepping out into Christmas markets, greeted by the smell of mulled wine and the sound of excited children takes us to our happy place, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything. There is one small hitch, however, and that is our preference for Christmas decorations. Personally, we tend to lean away from the garishness of traditional décor, preferring to keep our yuletide interiors as classy as our approach January through to November.

But how do we do it? And how can you, too, decorate tastefully for Christmas this year? We’ve compiled some thoughts, to help create the home of your Christmas dreams:

Choose a colour scheme

A simple tip, yes, but one that is often forgotten at this time of year. In the giddiness of all things green, red and shiny, many don’t even stop to consider that there is another option – but there is! Christmas decorations come in all colours and forms, if you only take the time to seek them out. As such, our advice here is simple – choose a colour scheme, and stick with it. Whether you’ve opted for a favourite shade, or simply matched your baubles to your existing scheme, you’ll notice a huge difference. Trust us, it’s worth the extra time spent sourcing

Choose a signature scent

Nothing says Christmas like a festive scent, so if you do one thing this year to prepare your home for the 25th, let it be finding a signature scent. Undertones of cinnamon work well this time of year, as does anything reminiscent of a favourite cold weather dessert

Create a Christmassy atmosphere

Along with scent, think about the atmosphere of your home. This time of year is perfect for cosiness, so even if you decide against tinsel and baubles and the usual fa la la la la, you can still turn your home into a Christmas haven with a few small adaptations. Eliminate use of your ceiling light, for example, replacing with well placed lamps and flickering candles. Light the fire, make use of blankets, and ensure your soft furnishings are plush and welcoming. Christmas isn’t all about the tree – it’s about the feeling

Consider The White Company

And, finally, a luxury design staple that exudes taste and festivity – The White Company. If you’ve not had the pleasure, we highly recommend a visit to your local store. With stunning ideas for your Christmas table, beautifully designed Christmas ornaments and a natural feeling of understated elegance, crossed with utter comfort, no-one else compares. We can’t wait to indulge in a visit soon.